How a house clearance works, step by step

Step 1: Get in touch and send photos

Call or WhatsApp 07898 719 509, or fill in the quote form on this page. Tell us the town or village, which rooms or buildings need clearing, and whether there is a deadline, such as a completion date or the end of a tenancy.

Photos are the quickest way to an accurate price. A quick picture of each room, opened wardrobes, the loft hatch, the garage and the garden tells us far more than a description. It also helps to mention access: steps to the front door, a steep staircase, a long path or a lane our van needs to reach.

Step 2: Receive your free quote

We look at the volume, access, travel and any items needing special handling, then give you a clear, no-obligation quote. If there are valuable or saleable items, we explain how much can be offset against the cost. For larger properties, farms or anything difficult to judge from photos, we can arrange a visit first. You can read more about what shapes the figure on our prices page.

Step 3: Agree a date

Once you are happy, we agree a date that suits you. The sooner you get in touch, the more dates we can offer, though we will always try to help with urgent or short-notice jobs. If you cannot be there, we can usually collect keys from a solicitor, estate agent or neighbour.

Step 4: Clearance day

A walk-through first

We begin by walking round the property with you, or with whoever is letting us in, to confirm what is going and what is staying. This is the moment to point out anything that must not leave the house.

Keep-aside items

As we clear, we set aside photographs, letters, documents, bank paperwork, jewellery and anything that looks personal or valuable. These are kept together in one place for you to go through, so nothing important is lost by accident.

Careful loading

Furniture is carried out with care for walls, banisters, doorframes and flooring. In older Cumbrian cottages with tight turns and low beams, some pieces may need dismantling to come out safely.

Sorting as we go

Items are separated into reuse, recycling and disposal as they leave the house. Usable furniture and household goods go to charity shops and reuse projects; metals, electricals, textiles, cardboard and wood are recycled. Our recycling and disposal policy covers this in detail.

Step 5: Sweep-up, keys and payment

Once everything agreed has gone, we sweep through the empty rooms so the property is left tidy. If you were not there, we can send photos of the finished job. Keys are returned to you or to the person you nominate. Payment is only due on completion, once you are satisfied with the work.

What to do before we arrive

A little preparation keeps the day running smoothly. None of this is essential, but it helps.

• Remove valuables and documents – take away anything you know you want, especially wills, deeds, passports, bank cards, jewellery and sentimental items. We keep aside what we find, but it is always safer in your hands.
• Mark what is staying – label furniture or items that must not be removed, or move them into one room and tell us.
• Tell the neighbours – a quick word means they are not surprised by a van and people carrying furniture, and they may help with parking.
• Think about parking – let us know if there are restrictions, permits, a shared drive or a busy street.
• Mention narrow lanes – on rural farms or fell-side cottages, tell us about single-track roads, gates, weight limits, tight bends or soft ground so we can plan the right approach.
• Check utilities – lighting in the loft or cellar makes the work safer, so leave the power on if you can.

If you are clearing a home after a death, our bereavement clearance page covers extra steps, and GOV.UK has helpful guidance on what to do after someone dies.